Candidate for
Council Member; City of Rye

A Rye resident for over 12 years, Suzanna Keith, 42, is a known community financial problem solver. She is a visionary who has created new programs and approaches while also demonstrating the ability to identify difficult issues and provide effective and cost efficient solutions for the long-term. From her tenure as the head of several important community organizations, she has a proven track record of tackling complex issues through collaboration and bridge building among the citizens of Rye. When Suzanna came to Rye in the late '90s, she was already well versed in public service through her work with the New York Junior League. As the League's Fundraising Manager, she was able to raise over $500,000 for their programs in family healthcare and domestic violence, and she was subsequently honored as Outstanding Volunteer when she was only 30. In Rye, Suzanna began her volunteer career as both Co-President of the Newcomers Club and Co-President of the 37th Twig of New York United Hospital. Elected Vice Chair of the Twig Organization in 2002, Suzanna helped to develop a 5-year strategic plan and was able to recruit over 60 new volunteers. As Chairperson when United Hospital closed in 2004, she was able to guide the Twig out of the hospital's bankruptcy and lead it to its new status as The Twig, Inc., which continues to play a vital sustaining role in community healthcare.

As Co-President of the Midland PTO from 2007 to 2009, Suzanna relied on her strong business sense to solve difficult budget issues. Her strategy was to build teams of experts who could develop and implement effective financial solutions. During her tenure, she introduced a Wellness Committee, Earth Week, No Idling Week, and Walk to School Week and lead creation of a 5-year strategic plan. In addition, Suzanna has served the local government on the Rye Playland Commission and also volunteers for the Environmental Advocacy Group of Rye for which she organized a downtown recycling awareness event last fall.

With 21 years of marketing experience, Suzanna continues to build her own consulting business focusing on new product launches and development of consumer brands ranging in size from $5 million to $500 million. Her expertise is researching consumer insights and building on these insights to drive long-term strategic direction in all aspects of brand management, from analyzing financial statements to initiating manufacturing production to developing the consumer and trade advertising. As a small business owner, Suzanna has the flexibility to work on making Rye a better place while nurturing and caring for her family.

Raised in Bristol, TN, Suzanna graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1988 and received her MBA in marketing from New York University in 1992. Suzanna and her husband, Andrew Keith, have been married for 16 years and have three children, Grant, 11, JP, 7, and Kiki, 4. The two oldest children attend Rye City Schools, and Kiki attends Resurrection Nursery School.

Andrew works at the Bank of Scotland in the loan restructuring group. He has also served on the Board of the Carver Center in Port Chester, where he developed an annual program in conjunction with Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the U.S. Open. In addition, he coaches both travel and intramural teams for Rye Youth Soccer. Suzanna and Andrew are also supporters and friends of Resurrection Church, The Rye Arts Center, The Rye Free Reading Room, The Rye Nature Center, Rye Recreation, The Rye Historical Society, Rye, Rye brook & Port Chester EMS, SUNY Purchase Arts Center, the Carver Center and the Open Door Medical Center.

Suzanna and Andrew enjoy participating in amateur theater, playing golf and tennis, but most of all enjoy skiing with their children.